I LOVE TO WRITE DAY

November 15 is National I Love to Write Day in the U.S. This is the eighth year children and adults practice their writing skills by writing a poem, short story or begin that long awaited novel. Even taking the time to write a greeting card or note of appreciation counts.

For those of you who cannot participate in a month long National Novel Writing Month (NANO, see our other posts about this wild and crazy adventure) taking one day just to write may be just what you need.

For those of you who are nuts enough to dive into NANO (like all five of the krazy kindred heart writers!), taking a moment to ponder and remember what is it about writing that you love?

Is it the act of creating something that starts with a seed of an idea and watch it bloom into its own life?

Is it a voice deep within your heart that drives you to express yourself on a canvas of words?

Did you as a child and do you now, love reading so much, you also want to play and frolic joyously with words?

Do you find it irresistibly satisfying to hear and learn a new word or a twist of a phrase?

Do you get giddy when a word cascades down your tongue, tickling with new possibilities?

Who influenced you to become a writer?
With this holiday and with Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) coming in a few weeks, who am I thankful for for inspiring me as a writer?

For me a fifth grade teacher who noticed I like poetry and gave me book of poems at end of the school year.

For the high school newspaper advisor who encouraged me.

Another moment was when the English teacher in college asked me what my major was. When I said nursing, he told me if that didn’t work out to come see him because he would love to have me in his department.

For Reg Forder of the Christian Communicator who once wrote: Are you a waiter or a writer? If you are a writer, quit the waiting and write! That moved me from a wanna-be writer to “I am a writer” self identify.

And now the Bryan Times editor who took a chance to let a retired public health nurse write, then actually printed the articles with her byline.

I can’t forget other Christian writers such a Catherine Marshall and Richard Foster, who stole my heart and mind with their words so much I wanted to give that back for others.

And I am thankful for my friends in this writers group and my very accommodating hubby for their support, encouragement, guidance and friendship.

And I thank God for giving me the opportunity to write.

Why do you write and who should you thank?
Jeanie